Head coach of the Nigeria U20 team Ladan Bosso has opened up on the draws for the U20 World Cup in Argentina, where his team have been drawn in the same group with Italy, Dominican Republic and Brazil.
In an exclusive interview with OGN, Bosso opens up on how he intends to approach the tournament including his choice of players and also the need to make a huge impression at the tournament. He also spoke about their preparation and also support from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
On Group Stages:
I think it’s a fair draw because if you really want to be the best then you have to be ready to be up against the best and also beat them. So we have no fear over the group.
We start with Dominican Republic and that is the most important match just like any other first game of the tournament. Then we play Italy before Brazil. Starting on a sound note will improve the confidence of the boys for whatever team we will face including Brazil. We hope to be through before the final game of the group.
On His Team:
For now I have addressed the areas where I noticed we had problems at the Africa Cup of Nations. In the area of goalkeepers, I don’t think we need another hand , in defence I have one foreign based player lined up and in the midfield I have called three players Ebenezer Akinsanmiro from Inter Milan, Victor Eletu from AC Milan and Tochukwu Nnadi from Botev Plodiv in Bulgaria.
I am following the process of recovery of Daniel Daga day by day reports from the doctor. He is yet to return to the pitch, so we have doubts over his participation.
Foreign Based Players:
In my list I have over 20 of them but I won’t call all of them to be honest. I am looking at how the team will shape up while in camp and look at areas where we need more experience or hands. For now I have extended invitation to around 12 of them. Only the best will be in the team.
Problem In Attack:
It’s why I brought in the boy ( Emmanuel Umeh) from Bulgaria into the team and the Arsenal kid (Joel Ideho). Then two players outside the MRI grade set by the NFF for the U17 team are with me for the same purpose of beefing up the attack. They are very good but unfortunate not to be in the NFF grade which is 4 as opposed to 5 by CAF. I also brought in three strikers from Academy teams. I have addressed that area by 80%.
Provisional List:
I have drawn it up already and dropped some players who didn’t make it. From the AFCON team I have axed like ten players. It’s unfortunate but if you have the chance and fail to take it then someone else will have your spot.
Winning The U20 World Cup:
The idea is one game at a time, one stage at a time and see how far we can go. You don’t go to tournament for fun. The idea is to compete and that we will do and see how far we can go. It won’t be bad to be the first Nigerian team to win it.
Preparation And Support From NFF:
A lot more than what I expected to be honest. We have gotten almost everything we asked for and hopefully, we will have a team that will make Nigeria proud at the tournament.
Mohammed Mowiz
